Birmingham Anglers Association

Well i've just got to post something to get it off my chest. I'm aiming to get a 2lb Severn Roach somehow, in however long.

Been out on the river a few times now after walking it for a few days before that.

Absolutely chuffed to bits with a fish of 1llb 13oz on my third trip out actually fishing. It was the only roach of the afternoon/evening, but what a fish to my eyes.

Hooked and lost a couple of barbel before it and got a couple out after it. But when you lift into the fish and you know instantly it isn't a barbel, there just isn't the power there, and you try to sense the knock, knock of a big roach to rule out a chub, the anticipation, the excitement is really putting a spring into my step.

I'm learning as I go, so anything I put here may or may not be right, and is likely to change anyway but it seems that the roach are in with the barbel at the moment, in faster and more turbulent water than i'd expect them to be, likely due to the low river conditions.

When I was walking the river I was looking for swims that I thought were roachy where I could fish a stick close in, in lightly fished almost undiscovered areas but there aren't that many swims that fit the bill with decent access. On top of that with the need for the wind to be right and a bit of colour in it etc it makes it even more difficult, so for now it's lead fishing and pellet which I reckon will give me the best chance. ( and wade thru the barbel ).

I'm thinking that the better fish will prefer a static bait and area wise talking Bridgnorth to Bewdley.

Having to use strong tackle as well with so many barbel about just have to be sensible. Far more than you'd need just for Roach.

It's been a few years since i've been on the river above Bewdley and even though everyone talks about how low it is at the moment, it is absolutely beautiful at this time of year, drop dead bloomin gorgeous. Much prefer it to murky brown spate water, be plenty of that later on.

Must say I get a few vacant, perplexed looks when I tell people i'm looking for roach when they ask me how i'm doin'. But i'm absolutely loving it at the moment, even after a couple of roach blanks since the 1 13'er' but it's only to be expected. Can't wait to get out again.